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Spa Vision brings Arctic chill to Australian wellness

SnowBliss, a new spa and wellness innovation, that provides a key part of the Scandinavia spa and sauna tradition, is now available in Australia.

The winter Nordic ritual sees people warm up in the sauna and then cool down in the snow afterwards and SnowBliss recreates the snow component.

As Australian-based Director of Spa Vision Neil Owen, explains “SnowBliss evolved through discussing a cooling experience for a client who wanted more than just an ice fountain or shower to cool down the guests within their Thermal Spa.

“Along with our German thermal partners Kurland we came up with the Snowbliss where the guest selects between the ‘snowfall’ and ‘snowstorm’ modes to either be sprinkled with snow or have snowflakes swirling around them on all sides in a snowstorm with optional thunder and lightning.”

According to Kurland, the snow crystals have the properties of corn snow, which skiers will be familiar with. The snow therefore only melts on the skin, and not in the air.

The effects are exceptionally refreshing and the cooling benefits are maximised as part of a thermal bathing sequence.

Kurland Chief Executive Esa Ranta comments “the SnowBliss can be integrated into any spa in any conceivable design. The cabin can be individually customised with walls made from glass, natural stone, tiled or with a photographic background.

“Optional sound and lighting effects are integrated into the SnowBliss allowing for a unique experience that addresses all the senses.”

On 1st June, Ye Olde Bell Hotel in Retford, England opened their new multi-million dollar spa featuring the world’s first Snowbliss as a key experience within their Thermal Spa.

The impressive new-build adjacent the 17th century country hotel covers 1600 metre² over two floors with six treatments rooms featuring two couples rooms, 10 thermal experiences including among others the SnowBliss, steambath, sauna, herbal laconium, stonebath, Rasul, salt room, an indoor to outdoor vitality pool and various relaxation areas.

Thermal spas are a popular component of spa and wellness services in Europe and the Middle East, allowing guests to experience several rooms of varying temperatures at their leisure often combining with hydrotherapy, relaxation areas and optional treatments as part of packages.

Owen adds “thermal spas work well for groups who want a shared spa experience (and) is equally beneficial for individuals who just want to relax and switch off for a few hours.

“For the operator the financial model is great as you charge guests on entry and revenue isn’t dependant of the number of treatment rooms or therapists you have available. In theory you could have four treatment rooms in operation yet 40 people in your thermal spa if facilities allow.

“From a business perspective you won’t be turning away guests just because a therapist isn’t available or its peak time. The concept is well suited to Australia, especially in areas that attract tourists who will be familiar with this kind of wellness experience.”